Brighton know they will have to deny Eden Hazard if they are to succeed when they host Chelsea on Sunday.

Chris Hughton's team have made an encouraging start to the season that suggests they are capable of securing a top-10 finish in the Premier League, but in Hazard they come up against one of the division's finest players.

The Belgian was also again influential when last week Chelsea overcame defending champions Manchester City, and Davy Propper told the club's official website: "There are so many good players in the Premier League and Eden Hazard is definitely one of them.

"It was a really good World Cup for him and he's also been very good for Chelsea.

"He's a very important player for them. He creates chances, makes actions and goes past players, so he can always create something for the team.

"They have so many good players, so it's difficult to pay attention to just one of them, but I like to be on the field with those players and try to match them."

Brighton, who will be pursuing a third victory from four, will hand a late fitness test to forward Jose Izquierdo before selecting their starting XI.

"Every season the bottom half of the table is so close," the 27-year-old Propper added.

"It's difficult to stay between seventh and tenth, but we will try and I think that's a big goal for us.

"Since last season our performances have been a little bit better, but we still have to improve our away results. If we can do that, I believe we can stay here and that's what we want.

"Our squad is much bigger than last season and we can solve problems such as injuries and suspensions much easier."